The Trojans, who moved up three spots to No. 21 in the nation this week, only dropped one set in the tournament. They opened up by topping Sam Houston State in three sets. The next day, they swept Oakland before beating host Rice in four sets to claim the tournament title.
USC had three players (middle blocker Elise Ruddins, opposite hitter Brittany Abercrombie and outside hitter Khalia Lanier) named to the all-tournament team. Ruddins, who finished the weekend with 25 kills and 16 blocks, was named the MVP of the tourney. The Laguna Beach, CA native had a career-high nine blocks and a career-best .688 hitting percentage against Rice.
USC head coach Mick Haley now has 398 wins at USC, with the opportunity to get to 400 in the upcoming Pac-12 Challenge, where USC hosts Oklahoma and Maryland.
?? LOVE when our #TrojanFamily supports us on the road! Thanks @somavainuku and Lauren! #FightOn ?????????????? pic.twitter.com/l11djidW24
-- USC W. Volleyball (@uscwomensvolley) September 11, 2016
